Owatonna Man Charged with 5th DWI

An Owatonna man was charged with a 5th DWI after a traffic stop Monday. Thuak Wiw Bithow was charged in Blue Earth County District Court on Monday with 1 Felony count of DWI with refusal to submit to chemical test, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years or a $14,000 fine or both, and 1 Gross Misdemeanor count of driving after cancellation, which carries a maximum Sentence of 364 days or a $3,000 fine, or both.

According to the criminal complaint: On December 23, 2024, Blue Earth County Sheriff’s office initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle. The driver the vehicle was identified as Thuak Wiw Bithow. Deputies observed Bithow had bloodshot and glassy eyes, slightly slurred speech, and droopy eyelids. Deputies also observed the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. Deputies learned that Bithow’s driving status in the state of Minnesota was canceled as inimical to public safety. Deputies also learned that Bithow had an active warrant out of Blue Earth County for felony DWI.

Deputies found an open bottle of alcohol in the vehicle before towing it. Bithow admitted to consuming alcohol. Bithow refused any field sobriety tests. Bithow also refused to take a breath test.

Bithow has at least four prior DWI convictions, including a previous felony DWI conviction.